News
Politics of Rotation: Yar’Adua Vs Jonathan Debacle
No country can equal Nigeria as far as politics is concerned. As paradoxical as this might sound, it is so true that we have made landmark achievements by way of bizarre actions and in other political-show of shame and impunity. So what are we equating with what? We have a whole lot, that no nation can match, when it comes to Nigerian politics.
Indeed right from the first republic, the Nigerian politics has witnessed interesting turbulent moments. The key actors/leaders in the past have taken actions that have put the entire nation in a shambles, all in the name of national interest Yet, no lesson to learn, instead we keep busying ourselves with talks and writings that do not change the rot.
Interestingly, the powerful tacticians and power-brokers have understood the mindset of the voiceless, inactive or passive political advocates, who know how to shout without talking actions to redress the inequities in the country. This set knows that majority of Nigerians are cowards or the proverbial barking dogs that never bites. With the deeply entrenched fear among the Nigerian electorates, these opportunists and power-brokers have always had a field day. The height of impunity with which they demonstrate their high-handedness and tyrannical leadership style keeps one wondering . Little wonder, they apply the rotational political style without considering the interest or concern of the Nigerian masses.
Which country on earth can match this tall political credential of our beloved Nigeria? Well, the answer lies in politics of rotation. It is a pity that these political actors/opportunists/power – brokers have succeeded in rotating Nigeria and Nigerians like a spinning cone, without any hope of falling either with the head or tail. They’ve rotated Nigeria for more than forty years without realizing that a forward step-by-step movement is better than the one-spot, retrogressive circumnavigation/circumlocution. To them, progress doesn’t matter, what is paramount is rotation and their entrenched of treasury looting and reckless mismanagement of our commonwealth.
Why is it that, our dear President’s ill-health and the vacuum so created in Aso Rock, has become a matter of PDP leadership decision, rather than a recourse to the constitution? Why is that Nigerians have become so docile, passive and powerless that just a handful of some selfish, greedy and heartless opportunists or politicians could mortgage our future and toil with it, when we all know that our liberation lies in our very hands?
One thing these actors must know, is that many Nigerians are no longer in the dark days of ignorance, many thanks to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, whose political activism has brought some ill-intent but positive changes. Thank God, for the Nigerian constitution which has been made available to everyone who cares about acquiring a copy. But it is important that our lawyers assist to educate Nigerians on the content/text of the Nigerian Constitution, so that we would know how to demand for our rights.
Many Nigerians are in desperate need of constitutional and political enlightenment and sensitization to be able to jumpstart the liberation struggle, otherwise, these political opportunists and power-brokers would lead us to lamentable, but avoidable perdition.
Our fears have become their strength and inspiration and their insensitivity to the plight of the ordinary Nigerian has become a norm and a positive value.
It’s foolhardy to rejoice at President Yar’Adua ailing health, after all, none of us can predict or dictate what happens to us the next minute. Nigerians, honestly don’t need this one sided and sentimental style of politics called “politics of rotation”. If PDP doesn’t know, at least those of its members that have conscience and a good sense of judgment should have known the truth.
If for no other reason, at least for the mere fact that, for over forty years, rotational politics has taken us nowhere. It really doesn’t matter, who rules Nigeria, whether a Northerner or Southerner, what should matter is good governance and not political propaganda and sycophancy. Those who have succeeded in rotating themselves in government for over forty years, should have been wise enough to realize that, even though there’s no revolution, what they’ve amassed for those endless and hopeless reign, can take care of their third generation.
Rather than wait, for the wind of change to disgrace them out of office, it is better for them to bury their faces in shame and quit the political scene quietly. The wrath of God is fast coming and when it gets there, the actors will no longer have a hiding place and their cohorts/sycophants will abandon them to their fates.
We all know that, in every bit of rumour, fact elements abound. Again, many Nigerians know the position of the lapses ridden constitution, so the noises coming from the PDP circles and the remorseless cabals about Vice President – Goodluck Jonathan being compelled to resign, and of course, the declaration of 9-day prayer! AsoRock not being vacant, sinks clearly in the ears and minds of Nigerians.
But there’s a limit to everything.
Those who mean well for Nigeria, should quit talking and confront these cabals, who tell lies even on oath, who have toiled with our future for countless years. They should be told about empathy, and the fact that nothing last forever except change and that God is watching everyone of us. Thus, the fear of God, will herald the wisdom that will save them from the wrath or sledge hammer hanging in the air. Rather than campaign or lobby for who occupies the seat in AsoRock, we should rather pray for Mr. President because, whatever happens to him will affect every Nigerian.
Indeed a situation where Nigerians don’t have a say in the determination of the affairs of the state by true representation, spell danger for our unity and development. The choice of liberating Nigeria from evil men is a collective and compulsory task. If we can’t take the initiative by telling our parents, uncles, friends, associates, party members and “representatives” the gospel truth, then we had better quit complaining and shouting and do the politics of rotation instead.
Icha us a guest to the Edior
Clement Icha
The Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBE) has trained 1,000 newly recruited teachers with a view to raising standards in public primary and junior secondary schools in the state.
The two-day orientation and capacity building programme held in Port Harcourt introduced the teachers to civil service rules, classroom management practices, and professional conduct expected of educators in the state.
The State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, told the newly recruited teachers that teaching demands more than academic qualifications, and called for discipline, diligence, and a strong commitment to service.
He described teaching as a noble profession that is central to the development of the state.
The recruitment, he said, reflects the government’s investment in children and long-term development.
“Education is the foundation of societal progress, and basic education is where that foundation is laid,” Nwagor stated.
He urged the teachers to shape the values and character of pupils during their most formative years.
He pledged continued support from the Ministry of Education through training, resources, and an environment that allows teachers to perform effectively.
Nwagor directed RSUBEB to reject transfer requests from rural to urban schools, saying the newly employed teachers have an obligation to serve where they are posted and help strengthen education in those communities.
In his opening remarks, the RSUBEB Chairman, Hon. Sam Oge, explained that the recruitment process began in 2023 under the previous board, adding that after assuming office, he consulted widely and secured Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s approval to complete the exercise.
Oge said the selection was competitive, with 1,000 candidates chosen from more than 5,000 applicants, and urged the teachers to treat the opportunity seriously and avoid lobbying for reposting.
He directed the teachers to resume at their assigned schools immediately, saying request for reposting will not be entertained.
The former RSUBEB Chairman, Ven. Dr. Fyneface Akah, who delivered the keynote address, described the orientation as the teachers’ formal entry into the civil service.
He urged them to be creative, purposeful, and open to learning on the job.
Akah stressed that teachers have a role in restoring values lost to moral decline, and urged them to model national values and see their work as a calling with lasting impact on the society.
He thanked the State Government for approving the recruitment, noting that the exercise will improve access to quality basic education across the State.
Akujobi Amadi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that no fewer than 1.4 million members of the National Youth Service Corps will be deployed for the 2027 general elections.
The Chairman of the commission, Prof Joash Amupitan (SAN), made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig Gen Olakunle Nafiu, at the Yakubu Gowon House, headquarters of the scheme, in Abuja.
Amupitan, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Adedayo Oketola, described the meeting with the NYSC senior management team as more than a formal courtesy visit, saying it was also a mission of gratitude.
According to him, the NYSC remains a critical pillar in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He noted that corps members had participated in virtually every election cycle since 1999, stressing that, “INEC cannot conduct elections in Nigeria without the NYSC.
“As the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, I am honoured to discuss our collaborative efforts toward ensuring seamless and credible elections in Nigeria.
“You provide the heartbeat of our field operations. When we speak of election manpower, we are essentially speaking of corps members.
“They are the most dedicated, educated and patriotic election duty staff we have, and their presence at polling units brings a level of neutrality and public confidence that is irreplaceable.
“They form the backbone of our election processes, especially as ad hoc staff, whose dedication, discipline and patriotism are critical to the success of our elections,” he added.
Amupitan said institutional data from the 2023 general election showed the importance of the partnership between INEC and the NYSC.
He explained that INEC deployed about 1.2 million ad hoc staff for the 2023 elections, with over 70 per cent, nearly 850,000 personnel drawn from corps members and student volunteers.
Speaking on preparations for the 2027 elections, the INEC chairman said more than 1.4 million ad hoc staff would be engaged, with corps members making up the majority.
“For the 2027 general election, we will require 707,384 ad hoc staff for the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027.
“The same number will be needed for the governorship and Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027, making a total of 1,414,768,” he said.
He added that INEC would also require 52,446 corps members for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, as well as by-elections in Nasarawa, Enugu, Rivers, Ondo, Kebbi and Kano states.
Amupitan said corps members accounted for nearly 90 per cent of Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers in many states during previous elections.
“These young Nigerians did not just facilitate voting; they protected the sanctity of the ballot in 176,846 polling units across some of the most difficult terrains in the country,” he said.
He further praised the corps members for their role in off-cycle elections, particularly the Anambra governorship election and the FCT Area Council polls.
According to him, their digital proficiency contributed significantly to the seamless operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.
“In those exercises, it was the digital proficiency of corps members that ensured the seamless performance of our BVAS, proving they are the tech-savvy backbone of our modern democracy,” he added.
Amupitan acknowledged the sacrifices made by corps members during elections and assured that INEC would continue to work with the NYSC and security agencies to strengthen safety measures and welfare packages for them.
As the 2027 general election approaches, we are committed to ensuring adequate mobilisation and preparedness of NYSC members for this important national assignment,” he said.
He also noted that the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, scheduled for June 20 and August 15, respectively, alongside several by-elections, would serve as tests for innovations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Responding, Brig. Gen. Nafiu thanked INEC for its continued collaboration with the scheme.
He recalled that the Memorandum of Understanding between both organisations was signed in 2011 and had been periodically renewed.
Nafiu described corps members as credible, reliable and easily trainable manpower.
“The last batch of millennials will soon exit the scheme, leaving behind Gen Z corps members known for their digital savviness, which will benefit INEC,” he said.
He assured the commission of the NYSC’s continued support in both the 2027 general elections and upcoming off-cycle elections.
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